You may be right, but I'd like the new Big 12 to think outside the box. I hate the idea of divisions after getting close to a decade in round robin play. I would like to see the Big 12 on the cutting edge of what I think is the future. 100% of games against Power 5. 11 game conference schedule + 1 non-conference SEC/B1G/ACC/PAC opponent or at least an FBS opponent. Maximizes TV revenue and makes the SEC look bad still fumbling around playing FCS teams in November.
I agree about the new Big12 having to be different than most other conferences. By setting a minimum number of P5 games, it would help elevate the New Big12's SOS, force the other conferences to play more P5 games and create a level playing field.
- I am OK with playing a non P5 the first game of the season to get the rust knocked out against a UNI, MAC, UNLV type team.
- I do like the idea of playing 11 P5 games- but would play 10 games against Big12 opponents plus 1 other P5. This would allow ISU to keep the Iowa game and if Okie State would like to schedule OU they could.
- Playing 10 games against Big12 teams should help with TV Media Rights, develop rivalries and create conference unity. It's joke that some SEC, ACC & Big10 teams might play a conference opponent 1 or 2 times in a 5 year period.
- Don't have conference divisions. 2 best teams play in CCG.
That said, I understand if the Big12 adds Cincy, UCF, Houston & BYU- they make sense from a media market and quality of athletic teams. These were probably the right teams from a $ standpoint and the teams that could get out of their conference GOR easiest.
However, as an Iowa State fan who lives in Iowa, the choices don't do a lot to excite me. Not really any easy, drivable road trips. Cincy is the closest at just under 600 miles/9 hours and the others are all a 15-20 hour drive away.